Apparel

Dallas -- Retalix Ltd., a leading global provider of software and services for high-volume, high-complexity retailers, announced that it has acquired Cornell Mayo Associates, a leading provider of store systems serving top tier department stores and large specialty retailers.

Goodlettsville, Tenn. -- Dollar General Corp. on Wednesday said it had earned a better-than-expected $214.1 million in the second quarter, ended on Aug. 3, up from $146 million a year earlier. The discounter also raised its earnings forecast for the year.

TOPEKA, Kan. — Collective Brands reported net earnings of $9.7 million, or 16 cents per share, for its second quarter compared with a loss of $35 million, or 58 cents per share, in the second quarter of 2011.

Net sales increased 0.4% to $886 million, driven by a 2.9% comparable-store sales ncrease and sales growth of 6.1% in the Performance + Lifestyle Group  Wholesale segment, offset in part by operating 375 fewer stores.

NEW YORK — The Jones Group has entered into an exclusive, world-wide license agreement with Altair, a division of  Marchon Eyewear for the creation, production, marketing and global distribution of ophthalmic eyewear and sunglasses under the Anne Klein brand. The Anne Klein ophthalmic eyewear and sunglass collections are currently produced and marketed under a world-wide license agreement with Luxottica Group S.p.A., which will expire on Dec. 31.  

Houston -- Francesca's Holdings Corp. said Tuesday that net income for the quarter ended July 28 topped expectations by nearly doubling to $12.7 million, from $5.5 million in the same quarter last year. Sales leaped nearly 50% to $25.1 million, and same-store sales surged $20.7%.

The company said it is on track to open 76 stores and one outlet this fiscal year, two of them in the third quarter.

Seattle -- Nordstrom said Tuesday it will open two new full-line stores – one in Jacksonville, Fla., and the other in Woodlands, Texas.
 
The Florida store will open at St. Johns Town Center, a Simon Property and Ben Carter-owned shopping center. The 124,000-sq.-ft. store will be two levels and is expected to open in fall 2014.

Bensalem, Pa. -- SB Capital Group, Tiger Capital Group and Great American Group jointly announced Tuesday that, in tandem, they will begin to sell off all of the inventory in the 568 Fashion Bug stores in the United States.

The Charming Shoppes unit will be divested and fully closed.

As part of the process, Fashion Bug has retained more than 5,900 store and district personnel to assist in operating the stores through the completion of the sale process.
 

Washington, D.C. -- Shop.org, the digital division of the National Retail Federation, on Tuesday announced the addition of new executives to its board of directors and welcomed back three incumbents.

New York -- As part of its landmark, multi-year, $400 million dollar renovation of Macy’s Herald Square, the department store retailer debuts the Herald Square Café this week.

Located on the second floor with the shoe department, the 1,434-sq.-ft., 45,-seat café will serve Starbucks coffees, chocolates and high-end champagnes.

Peterborough, N.H. -- Eastern Mountain Sports said Tuesday it has launched its first customer rewards program; effective Sept. 1, the outdoor retailer debuted the EMS Rewards which allows customers to earn points on purchases.